As thermal energy is added to a substance, which of the following typically occurs?

• A. The substance emits visible light.
• B. The temperature of the substance increases.
• C. The mass of the substance increases.
• D. The chemical identity of the substance changes.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that when thermal energy is added to a substance, it usually increases the kinetic energy of the particles within the substance.
2. Recall that an increase in the kinetic energy of particles corresponds to an increase in temperature, which is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles.
3. Recognize that the mass of the substance does not change simply by adding thermal energy, as mass is conserved unless matter is added or removed.
4. Know that the chemical identity of the substance remains the same unless a chemical reaction occurs, which is not implied by just adding thermal energy.
5. Note that emission of visible light typically requires very high energy changes (like in flames or heated metals glowing), which is not the usual result of adding thermal energy to most substances.